Overview & Reviews

Introduced in the mid-1990s, the front-wheel-drive Ford Windstar minivan campaigned with an emphasis on, and reputation for, safety. And in the hotly contested family minivan market of the time, that was an especially solid piece of ground to be on. As long as buyers didn't need to haul adults in back on a regular basis -- or find it necessary to remove the heavy third-row bench seat from the van often for additional cargo room -- the Windstar generally served a family's needs just fine.

Unfortunately, the Ford Windstar's general reputation for reliability was notably poorer than other competing minivans, particularly those from Honda and Toyota. The van's engine and transmission were particularly troublesome. In addition, we often criticized the Windstar for its noisy engines, poor interior space utilization and floppy handling.

Consequently, we suggest most shoppers take a look at other choices in this segment. But if you are set on getting a used Windstar, we'd at least suggest focusing on the most recent generation and consider opting for an extended warranty, if available.

Most recent Ford Windstar

During its nine years on the market, there were two Ford Windstar generations. The most recent was produced from 1999 to 2003. (Ford renamed it the Freestar for 2004.) The '99 van was completely redesigned to look more modern and sporty while upgrading mechanicals and adding a driver-side sliding door. The second- and third-row seats were now on rollers for easier maneuverability, and up front the instrument panel was reworked for improved ergonomics. There were also upgrades made to the suspension, transmission, brakes and air-conditioning.

Models now included base, LX, SE, SEL and Limited versions. Powering the van was either a 3.0-liter 150-horsepower V6 engine or -- a much more desirable -- 200-hp 3.8-liter V6. In reviews of the Ford Windstar at the time, our editors lauded the 3.8-liter engine for its power but complained that it was noisy under acceleration. We were also unhappy with its disconnected ride and handling, poor interior space utilization and weak reputation for reliability. Positive attributes included a plethora of convenience and safety features and top-notch crash test scores.

If we were shopping used Windstars, this new-and-improved second-generation version is as far back as we'd go. There were a few updates made through the years. The most significant of these were standard power-adjustable pedals, an optional rear-seat video entertainment system for 2000, the switch to the 3.8-liter engine as standard for all models in 2001 and the availability of safety-enhancing AdvanceTrac stability control for 2003.

Past Ford Windstar models

Ford introduced the front-wheel-drive Windstar in 1995 to replace its outgoing Aerostar rear-drive minivan. The new Windstar featured an extensive list of standard equipment, including dual airbags, antilock brakes, a four-speed automatic transmission and V6 power. Inside was seating for seven, including a unique integrated child seat.

The Windstar's only available engine was a 3.8-liter V6 which produced just 155 hp, but a more generous 220 pound-feet of low-end torque. Only a base GL model was available, but a more luxurious LX trim level was added in 1996 when a 3.0-liter 150-horsepower Vulcan V6 was made standard and an upgraded 3.8-liter V6 engine rated at 200 horses was optional. That year also saw four-wheel disc brakes fitted on vehicles equipped with traction control or the towing package. In 1998 -- the final year of its first generation -- the Windstar's driver's door was widened as a stop-gap measure to help access to the second row until the completely redesigned Windstar arrived a year later with a fourth door.

User Reviews:

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  Its getting better - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By FrankTheCabOwner - July 11 - 10:00 am

  i own 2 1998 windstars and was not to happy with them. they each needed multiple transmissions. They also needed front-end work about every 50,000 miles they are each approaching 500,000 miles now. (They are Taxis) I am very happy with the 2003 i just bought. They tell me the transmission problem has been fixed so that i should get 200-250k miles per trans, instead of the 100k the old ones lasted.

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  No more Fords!!! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By ExFordGuy - July 4 - 2:00 am

  TERRIBLE RELIABILITY. Numerous recalls, intake valve problem, 3 batteries in 3 years, electrical short, power doors broke 4 times, noisy engine, towed 3 times because it wouldnt start. All this and the car is kept meticulously in our garage. It only has 28,000 miles. It will be our ex-car soon!

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  Windstar is Bad News - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Mike Harper - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The Windstar is the wordt vehicle I have ever owned. Ford has really designed and built a stinker and will not stand behind this piece of junk.

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  Good Value for the Money - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Dr. Gill - April 22 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used with 25, 708 miles on it in Oct. 2000. It now has over 69,000 miles and the only things that were replaced were the serpentine belt (@ 30,000 miles), the front brakes and both radiator hoses (@60,000 miles), and a new set of tires (@47,000 miles). All other items consist of fluid changes at the manufacturers recommendations, with the exception of the engine oil which I change every 3000 miles. Each oil chnage I buy a complete fuel system cleaner ($5), which eliminates the need to have your fuel injectors cleaned.

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  Windstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By woodygap - April 17 - 5:16 pm

  Good Safe Van

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  A lemon at every turn - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By cdjamison - January 5 - 12:13 pm

  We purchased this vehicle used - a lease return with 40,000 miles. It needed a new transmission at 50,000, the head gasket went at 70,000 (this was covered under warranty, but was in the shop for a month), the main wiring harness caught on fire at 90,000 (this had been replaced under a recall before we purchased the van), and the list goes on. Weve averaged $1,000/yr in repairs on this vehicle. Dont buy a 95 Windstar!!!

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  No more Fords in my future - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By instresp - September 10 - 10:00 am

  We have had more breakdowns with this vehicle than any vehicle we have owned. Also misdiagnosed several times. Has stalled and stopped unexpectedly. Expensive repair bills. Disgusted with overall quality on a vehicle whose defects should have been worked out by 2000.

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  Ford has work to do on their cars/vans - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Mike McGinnis - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The windstar is a sharp vehicle inside and out. However, the recalls, windows leaking air down the road, very noisy and squeaky brakes tend to drown out the enjoyment of driving a sharp vehicle. The power door seems to never close properly, always having to give it an extra push or pull to get the door ajar light to go off!

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  brakes - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By olsen - August 3 - 10:00 am

  this van has the worst and most costly brakes of any i have ever owned!!!IT WILL KEEP ME FROM PURCHASING ANOTHER FORD!!!!!

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  My first and last Ford - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By never-another-ford - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2000 Windstar SEL in late 2000. Have had nothing but problems with it. Transmission is making unusual sounds and it occassionally slips. Engine is making "ticking" noise during idle...etc. Dealership has fixed maybe half of the problems. I consider this vehicle a "heap of junk" and certainly not worth half of what I paid for it. You know what they say "FORD - Fix Or Repair Daily" and that is EXACTLY what I have gotten. It has spent nearly half of its useful life at the Ford repair shop. MY FIRST AND LAST FORD!